‘Frustrating’ - Callum Wilson gives Newcastle United injury verdict after £60m blow

Callum Wilson has admitted Alexander Isak’s latest setback is “disappointing” for Newcastle United.

Just as the Magpies’ season looked back on track with a 2-0 lead at Aston Villa, their club-record signing limped off with a groin injury. Isak had scored five goals in as many games ahead of that clash and Toon supporters face an agonising wait for a diagnosis.

The initial post-match reaction suggested the Swede’s withdrawal was not too concerning but he has struggled with groin problems since arriving on Tyneside. Anthony Gordon finished the game up front as Wilson was also sidelined through injury.

Eddie Howe has rarely had both of his first-choice strikers fit at the same time throughout 2023-24. Wilson last featured in the Boxing Day defeat to Nottingham Forest but Howe claimed three weeks ago he could be back against Villa.

The 31-year-old did not make the matchday squad but hope remains that he can return soon to solve Newcastle’s striker crisis. Despite being in competition with Isak, Wilson admitted the 23-year-old would be “a big loss” for the Magpies if injured for a length of time.

Isak has 14 goals in all competitions this season and etched his name into Geordie folklore last month with a brace against Sunderland. Toon number nine Wilson has opened up about the blow and the differences they bring to Newcastle’s attack.

“I think Alex’s injury is disappointing for the team,” he told the Footballer’s Football podcast. “It’s a big loss because he’s a big player. He can play down the middle or out wide and he gives us a different kind of threat to what I do.

“So as a manager you would want options and both players available. So it’s frustrating from his point of view and our point of view but it’s football and injuries happen.”